What’s Happening with Real Estate Agent Commissions?

buyers agents commissionsLast Friday, NAR (the National Association of Realtors) announced a settlement which included a major change to real estate commissions. This settlement still needs court approval to be finalized.

Several media sources have been spreading misinformation about commissions with headlines including that buyers agents will no longer be compensated. This is far from accurate. [Read more…]

Visiting Open Houses? You Need to Be Fully Preapproved

Things to do before you visit an open house It’s fun to visit open houses on the weekends. You may be picturing yourself living in the home, enjoying the backyard or perhaps making a few home improvements to really make it “yours”.

If you’re even thinking about buying a home, I strongly encourage you to get fully preapproved before you find yourself at an open house wanting to present an offer.

Here are some steps I recommend for anyone considering buying a home. [Read more…]

Home Improvement and Construction Loans

There are many options available for financing home improvements not to mention using cash or available funds.

What type of program is used may depend on the scope and amount of funds needed for the project. We can help you with everything from a home equity line of credit where you can do the work yourself or a full construction loan if you’re working with a vacant lot or a complete tear-down property. Larger projects may require a general contractor and/or to have the contractor approved by the lender.

Loans that do not require a general contractor are our home equity line of credit, stand-alone second mortgage or a cash-out refi. With the home equity loan of credit or second mortgage, you could keep your existing first mortgage (if there is one).

Here are some possible programs to consider: [Read more…]

How to Shop Mortgage Lenders

How to Shop LendersChoosing a mortgage lender is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home buying process — yet most people spend more time researching a refrigerator than they do selecting who will handle the largest financial transaction of their lives. Here’s how to shop lenders the right way, including questions that will quickly reveal whether you’re talking to a true mortgage professional. [Read more…]

What’s the Difference Between being Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved for a Mortgage?

Do you know the difference between being prequalified or preapproved for a mortgage?

This short video reviews the importance of being preapproved.

[Read more…]